Food storage bag retainer

ABSTRACT

A device that retains a food storage bag so that it can be poured into and from, transported and otherwise supported is provided. The retaining device may have a generally rectangular main sheet of pliant material defining two vertical edges, a first length edge and a second length edge, and wherein the main sheet has a longitudinal axis extending in the direction of its length edges. Spaced-apart bend lines may be disposed perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis interconnecting panels forming a generally horseshoe-shaped configuration. A plurality of fold notches may be formed along each length edge for securely retaining a top portion of the food storage bag there along, making the present invention reversible when in use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of kitchen implements and, more particularly, to a device that holds a food storage bag so that it can be filled and/or poured from, transported and otherwise supported while full of foodstuff.

Nearly everyone who has attempted by themselves to fill a food storage bag or “baggie” with anything has struggled with the problem of how to hold the baggie open while filling it with foodstuff. As a result, many times the foodstuff spills because a person is not able to hold the baggie open while filling it at the same time. Filling the baggie with a liquid poises an even more impractical task for one individual. Pouring the foodstuff from the baggie provides similar challenges

Now imagine the challenge for an individual who is differently-abled, blind and/or possessing limited dexterity or limited fine motor skills.

Currently, there are devices for holding the baggies during the filling process. However, they are not generally designed for facilitating the pouring of the retained baggie's contents, or transporting the retained baggie empty or full, or even lifting the retained baggie of the table or countertop. Also, many utilize clips that may tear the baggie. They are heavier and/or bulkier than the present invention. And even though some purport to be collapsible, they still involve parts that need to be disassembled and then reassembled.

As can be seen, there is a need for a device that can be used by a single person of limited dexterity to hold a baggie open while being filled and/or poured from, transported and otherwise supported while full of contents such as foodstuff. Ideally, the device would easy assume a position that does not take up much storage space.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a device for retaining a storage bag to be filled, poured from, transported and otherwise supported includes a main sheet comprising a pliant material, wherein the main sheet comprises two vertical edges, a first length edge and a second length edge, and wherein the main sheet has a longitudinal axis extending in the direction of its length edges; a plurality of bend lines extending between the length edges transverse to the longitudinal axis so as to define a horseshoe-shaped in-use configuration of connected panels; a handle cutout formed along and inward from each vertical edge; and a plurality of fold notches formed along each length edge.

In another aspect of the present invention, a device for retaining a storage bag to be filled, poured from, transported and otherwise supported includes a main sheet comprising a pliant material, wherein the main sheet comprises two vertical edges, a first length edge and a second length edge, and wherein the main sheet has a longitudinal axis extending in the direction of its length edges; a plurality of hinges extending between the length edges transverse to the longitudinal axis so as to define a plurality of pivotably connected panels; a handle cutout formed along and inward from each vertical edge; and a plurality of fold notches formed along each length edge.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, a device for retaining a storage bag to be filled, poured from, transported and otherwise supported, includes a main sheet comprising a pliant material, wherein the main sheet comprises two vertical edges, a first length edge and a second length edge, and wherein the main sheet has a longitudinal axis extending in the direction of its length edges; a plurality of bend lines extending between the length edges transverse to the longitudinal axis so as to define a horseshoe-shaped in-use configuration of connected panels; a handle cutout formed along and inward from each vertical edge, wherein each handle cutout forms a hand-grip shape for receiving a human hand and facilitating its grip; a plurality of fold notches formed along each length edge; wherein the plurality of fold notches along the first length edge are offset from the notches of the second length edge; and a rigid notch disposed along one length edge and extending along a portion of a central bend line generally bisecting the longitudinal axis.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, shown in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides a device that retains a food storage bag so that it can be filled and/or poured from, transported and otherwise supported while full of contents, such as foodstuff. The retaining device may have a generally rectangular main sheet of pliant material defining two vertical edges, a first length edge and a second length edge, and wherein the main sheet has a longitudinal axis extending in the direction of its length edges. Spaced-apart bend lines may be disposed perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis interconnecting panels forming a generally horseshoe-shaped configuration. A plurality of fold notches may be formed along each length edge for securely retaining a top portion of the food storage bag there along, making the present invention reversible when in use.

In certain embodiments, the device may include a plurality of hinges extending between the length edges transverse to the longitudinal axis so as to define a plurality of pivotably connected panels so that the main sheet is positionable in a flattened configuration and in a horseshoe-shaped in-use configuration folded about the plurality of hinges.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 3, the present invention may include a retaining device 10 that can be used by a single person of limited dexterity to hold a storage bag 26 open, while being filled and/or poured from, transported and otherwise supported while full of contents 28. The storage bag 26 may include but not be limited to baggies, zipper baggies, vacuum-seal baggies, and the like. The contents 28 may include edible solids, liquids and other foodstuff, but can also include any solid or liquid contents that can be received in the storage bag 26, including but not limited to toys such as marbles, accessories such as buttons, powders, and the like.

The retaining device 10 may be formed from a main sheet 30. The main sheet 30 may be a planar sheet constructed of pliant materials having properties which tolerate the repeated tension and compression of opposing, such as rubber, some specific plastics, urethanes, polycarbonate, polymers and the like. The main sheet 30 may be generally rectangular in shape, having a longitudinal axis extending in the direction of its length, and defined by two length edges 32 and two vertical edges 34. Referring to FIG. 2, extending from left to right, the main sheet 30 may be comprised of a first panel 12, a second panel 16, a third panel 17 and a fourth panel 14.

The main sheet 30 may form a bend line 18 between each panel, as illustrated in FIG. 1. The bend lines 18 may be slits, grooves, perforations, dimples, score lines or the like. The bend lines 18 may provide the retaining device 10 with a generally horseshoe-shaped in-use configuration, thereby facilitating a sturdy footing when the retaining device 10 rests one of the two length edges 32 on a supporting surface.

In an alternative embodiment, each bend line may be a hinge 18 between each panel, as illustrated in FIG. 2. Each hinge 18 may be a living hinge formed simply by creating a weakened linear strip or a perforated bend transverse to the longitudinal axis of the main sheet 30. This enables each panel to pivot with respect to an adjacent panel so that the retaining device 10 is positionable to an in-use configuration, illustrated in FIG. 1, and to a flattened configuration, as illustrated in FIG. 2. The in-use configuration may be generally a horseshoe shape, thereby facilitating a sturdy footing when the retaining device 10 rests one of the two length edges 32 on a supporting surface. The plurality of hinges 18 may be adapted so that the device 10 is biased in the in-use configuration if not in the flattened configuration.

The main sheet 30 may provide a handle cutout 22 along and inward from each vertical edge 34. Each handle cutout 22 may be hand-grip shaped, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 3, for receiving a user's hand and facilitating its grip while supporting, pouring or transporting the device 10 and the retained storage bag 26 empty or full of the contents 28.

The main sheet 30 may provide a plurality of fold notches 20 perpendicularly extending from the each length edge 32 toward its opposing length edge 32. The plurality of fold notches 20 may be disposed along the two length edges 32 in an offset manner so as to accommodate the securing portions of the differently sized storage bag 26, when the retaining device 10 is in use, as illustrated in FIG. 3. Meaning, the fold notches 20 along one length edge 32 is offset from the fold notches 20 along the opposing length edge 32. The fold notches 20 may include but not be limited to a U-shape. The fold notches 20 may have rounded corners at the length edge 32.

The main sheet 30 may provide a rigid notch 50 formed from one of the length edges 32 so as to be generally symmetrically disposed thereon. The rigid notch 50 is dimensioned and adapted to operatively engage vacuum-sealed bags or other storage bags with a rigid flange. The rigid flange, even when the vacuum-sealed bag was in an opened configuration, typically would not fold over significantly spaced-apart fold notches 20 along the horseshoe-shaped in-use configuration. Thus the rigid notch 50 defines two vertical portions that are significantly less spaced apart for the rigid flange to fold over in operative engagement.

The main sheet 30 may provide a plurality of hanging holes 24 formed therein. In certain embodiments, the plurality of hanging holes 24 may be disposed along and inward from the two length edges 32. Each hang hole 24 may be dimensioned to receive a hook for storing the retaining device 10 when not in use.

In certain embodiments, for ease of construction, packaging, displaying and combining together, the first and second panel 12, 16 and some or all of its components 20, 22, 24 disposed therein may be the mirror image of the third and fourth panel 17, 14 and the same some or all of its components 20, 22, 24 disposed therein about the central hinge 18, as illustrated in FIG. 2.

A method of using the present invention may include the following. The retaining device 10 disclosed above may be provided. A user may pivot the panels by, in certain embodiments, manipulating at least one handle 22, so that the device 10 is positioned in the in-use configuration, as illustrated in FIG. 1. Then the user may place the storage bag 26 within the interior of the horseshoe shaped in-use configuration so that a top edge of the storage bag 26 may fold over and engage an adjacent length edge 32 along a plurality of panels. Specifically, the storage bag 26 typically provides a detachable closure portion along its opening, such as a zipper portion. The user may fold the detachable closure portion over the adjacent length edge 32 whereby it is out of the way when the contents are poured in or out, so as not to get damaged or otherwise junked up.

The user may urge/squeeze the two handles 22 together during this loading process to accommodate the engagement/loading of the storage bag 26 along the adjacent length edge 32, as illustrated in FIG. 3. Then by releasing the squeeze, whereby the hinges 18 may bias the device 10 to the in-use configuration, the user may further facilitate a snug retention of the storage bag 26 along the adjacent length edge 32. The in-use configuration 10 need not be manipulated or handled to maintain retention of the storage bag 26, and so the user may use their hands for other purposes.

Storage bags 26 openings that cannot circumscribe the entirety of the adjacent length edge 32 may be folded about portions of adjacent fold notches 20, as illustrated in FIG. 3, to securely retain the storage bag 26 within the retaining device 10. In certain embodiments, the user may rotate the device 180 degrees about its longitudinal axis so as to engage the opposing length edge 32 having offset fold notches 20, if the original adjacent length edge 32 lends itself to a less secure retention of the storage bag 26.

Once securely retained within the retaining device 10, the contents may be single-handedly poured into, poured from and/or transported within the retaining device 10. Moreover, the horseshoe shape of the retaining device 10 may facilitate the activation of a lever-operated dispenser including, but not limited to, an in-the-door ice-maker; for example, when filling the storage bag 26 with ice from said ice-maker. Similarly, the horseshoe shape facilitates the pouring of contents from the storage bag 26 in the in-use configuration.

The user may use the device 10 to wash out the storage bag 26 too. After washing the bag 26, the user can turn the device 10 and the loaded storage bag 26 upside down for facilitating the drying of the washed storage bag 26 when in the in-use configuration.

Subsequent use, the user may unfold along the plurality of hinges 18 of the retaining device 10 so as to position it into the flattened configuration for convenient storage.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for retaining a storage bag to be filled, poured from, transported and otherwise supported, comprising: a main sheet comprising a pliant material, wherein the main sheet comprises two vertical edges, a first length edge and a second length edge, and wherein the main sheet has a longitudinal axis extending in the direction of its length edges; a plurality of bend lines extending between the length edges transverse to the longitudinal axis so as to define a horseshoe-shaped in-use configuration of connected panels; a handle cutout formed along and inward from each vertical edge; and a plurality of fold notches formed along each length edge.
 2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a rigid notch disposed along one length edge and extending along a portion of a central bend line generally bisecting the longitudinal axis.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein each handle cutout forms a hand-grip shape for receiving a human hand and facilitating its grip.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of fold notches along the first length edge are offset from the notches of the second length edge.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein each fold notch forms a U-shape.
 6. The device of claim 1, further providing a plurality of hanging holes formed along and inward from each length edge.
 7. The device of claim 2, wherein the plurality of fold notches, the plurality of hanging holes, the plurality of bend lines, the rigid notch, and the plurality of connected panels are mirrored about the central hinge.
 8. The device of claim 2, wherein each notch forms a U-shape.
 9. A device for retaining a storage bag to be filled, poured from, transported and otherwise supported, comprising: a main sheet comprising a pliant material, wherein the main sheet comprises two vertical edges, a first length edge and a second length edge, and wherein the main sheet has a longitudinal axis extending in the direction of its length edges; a plurality of hinges extending between the length edges transverse to the longitudinal axis so as to define a plurality of pivotably connected panels; a handle cutout formed along and inward from each vertical edge; and a plurality of fold notches formed along each length edge.
 10. The device of claim 9, further comprising a rigid notch disposed along one length edge and extending along a portion of a central hinge generally bisecting the longitudinal axis.
 11. The device of claim 9, wherein the main sheet is positionable in a flattened configuration and in an in-use configuration folded about the plurality of hinges.
 12. The device of claim 9, wherein the plurality of hinges bias the main sheet in the in-use configuration.
 13. The device of claim 9, wherein the plurality of hinges are living hinges.
 14. The device of claim 9, wherein each handle cutout forms a hand-grip shape for receiving a human hand and facilitating its grip.
 15. The device of claim 9, wherein the plurality of fold notches along the first length edge are offset from the notches of the second length edge.
 16. The device of claim 9, wherein each fold notch forms a U-shape.
 17. The device of claim 9, further providing a plurality of hanging holes formed along and inward from each length edge.
 18. The device of claim 10, wherein the plurality of fold notches, the plurality of hanging holes, the plurality of hinges, the rigid notch and the plurality of pivotably connected panels are mirrored about the central hinge.
 19. A device for retaining a storage bag to be filled, poured from, transported and otherwise supported, comprising: a main sheet comprising a pliant material, wherein the main sheet comprises two vertical edges, a first length edge and a second length edge, and wherein the main sheet has a longitudinal axis extending in the direction of its length edges; a plurality of bend lines extending between the length edges transverse to the longitudinal axis so as to define a horseshoe-shaped in-use configuration of connected panels; a handle cutout formed along and inward from each vertical edge, wherein each handle cutout forms a hand-grip shape for receiving a human hand and facilitating its grip; a plurality of fold notches formed along each length edge; wherein the plurality of fold notches along the first length edge are offset from the notches of the second length edge; and a rigid notch disposed along one length edge and extending along a portion of a central bend line generally bisecting the longitudinal axis.
 20. The device of claim 19, further providing a plurality of hanging holes formed along and inward from each length edge. 